Today, I continue with modeling how to research questions for my students about their insects. They will use a bubble map for their research. Additionally, we will be reading the next chapter, "Uncle," in Charlotte's Web," with text dependent questions.

Students will then get the opportunity to share their findings about their insects in pairs and with the whole group.

Some of the students will be working independently answering text dependent questions, while I will work with a small group.

Opening Activity

After sharing the objective from the carpet, I begin modeling the process to research of how to research a second question on insects today. I use the same book as yesterday. I show the students the table of contents again and state how this time I am looking for different information. I read the titles again and I let them tell me when they hear the title that would give information on: what do mosquitos look like?

I turn to that page. I have my bubble map ready on the easel. I write the above question in the middle. I read the page one sentence at a time and ask the students if that sentence gave me pertinent information that answers my question. If it does, then I add it to the bubble map. If the information is not relevant, I move on. I repeat this process until I finish the paragraph on the page. I keep adding to the bubble map.

Resources (1)

Resources

Now students are working on reading and researching what their insects looks like. As they get settled, I make sure to walk around and lend support. Some students need support with how to set up their resources on their tables: their books, their bubble maps, and/or word book that helps them with spelling words. Others need support to start and to stay on task.

Some students will need support with discerning which chapter or section in their book will help to tell about what their insect looks like, since each book will be written differently: I Found What Termites Look Like

My students need much practice with acquiring academic language. I give them plenty of focused talking opportunities. In this case, they are Pair Sharing using their bubble maps to share about our second research question: what their insect looks like.

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Resources

Now, it is time to gather on the carpet and have a few of the students share with the whole group about their insects. I like to keep students moving, and this kind of transition is one way I do so. It keeps them alert and engaged in the process.

Resources

To begin the reading of the chapter, "Uncle," I am having my students predict. At this juncture of the story, we are at the County Fair. Uncle Zuckerman is a prominent character and so I am curious as to how their Predictions will be.

To help them write their predictions, I have a chart for them to reference. They can choose how to begin their sentences:

Resources

Now we venture into the chapter. Since I had the students researching their insects in this lesson, I am not asking many questions. And today, I am also having the author, E.B. White, read part of the chapter through a youtube video.

I read pages 130 to the top of 133 with them. I ask these questions:

What is the fair like?

How much money is given to the children?

Why does Mrs. Arable blow her nose?

On page 133, with the paragraph that starts, "While Wilbur was being unloaded..." I let E.B. White take over the reading:

Before confirming their predictions, I take a few moments to clarify Who is Uncle because, knowing my students, I believe some of them will confuse Uncle the hog with Mr. Zuckerman. It is important to know one's students and anticipate their possible confusions.

Resources

To help my students deepen their understanding of the plot and the characters I have created some more questions for them to answer. Some students will be answering them independently while I will work with a group of students.

In answering these questions, my students need to reread and dig into the text. That is my intention. I am also helping them to build reading stamina, something my students need.

Here I am guiding my small group with understanding the first question: